Wednesday, March 7, 2012

What to ask yourself?

For some, job offers are beginning to roll in, and for others, the job search continues. But for all, whether undergraduate or graduate students (like myself) on the brink of graduation or continuing professionals, we ask ourselves questions about positions we are considering. We are torn between location, companies, campuses, salaries, benefits, and other factors, like, family, significant others, age, points in our lives, finances, etc., some in our control and some not in our control. We are also toying with the opportunities in front of us and if they will get us to where we want to be in the future and if we will enjoy it.

Recently, a classmate and colleague of mine attended a conference for young professionals in our career field and returned back to campus with a comprehensive list of things to consider when job searching, specifically things to ask oneself. I found it particularly intriguing, mostly because I’m job searching for myself currently, but also because the questions really hit on the roots for the reasoning behind applying or accepting a job. Here are some of the questions to ask yourself:

· What is the amount of organizational support (philosophically and financially) given to the potential role and the other people with which you will work?

· Is a balanced life possible in the work setting or is “workaholic” lifestyle expected and reinforced?

· Are stimulating colleagues available who will be willing to create try new approaches and innovate?

· How was your predecessor perceived?

· Is there access to further professional development opportunities?

· Will the physical environment help or block your progress in your job?

· Does the staff team seem genuinely eager to have you on staff?

· How well do departments around the campus/company interact with each other? What departments do you have the greatest contact?

· How would you describe the culture of this department?

· What is the supervisory style of the potential person to which I would be reporting?

All of these things can help clear your mind when weighing whether or not to apply or accept a position with a particular organization. Hopefully this can help you establish a life, not just a job.